2014 Shelby GT-500 is last call for big engined power

For 2014 the last Shelby GT-500 for this generation Mustang comes with only with two new exterior colors and standard heated seats as changes for the model year. Priced at $54,650 for the coupe and $59,650 for the convertible, the price has inched up a bit for 2014.

The 662 horsepower 5.8 liter supercharged V8 enjoys its last year for the 2014 Shelby GT-500 as it won’t likely be back for the all new 2015 Mustang that arrives about this time next year. Thus, this GT-500 will be a high water mark for big engined muscle as we know it today.

Again this year, the SVT Performance Package is the top option package that most Shelby’s will see, which includes the basket mesh 19” front and 20” rear wheels. You get an uprated suspension with stiffer springs, roll bars and driver adjustable Bilstein shocks. The latter is electronically adjustable via the instrument cluster. Also part of the package is a Torsen differential with 3.31:1 axle and a unique shift knob.

To go with that package, is the SVT Track Package which is for those who intend to use their GT-500 for track days or just a lot of hard driving. This is essentially a cooling package which has an external engine cooler, differential cooler and transmission cooler. This package is only available on coupes.

The Recaro seat option continues, which brings racing style support and grab you feel. You do lose power adjustments and the availability of heated seats. If you are over 225 lbs they also get a bit snug, but look like a million bucks with dual stripes upholstered into them.

You can still have the glass roof on the coupe, though production has shown it has been a rare option. The electronics package is a nice way to go, adding the full touch screen and navigation, HD Radio and dual zone HVAC. At the very least it steps up the appearance of the center stack, making it more befitting of a $60,000 car.

Colors and striping options are identical to the 2013 Shelby GT-500 with exception that Oxford White and Ruby Red Metallic replace similar colors. Each color comes with 2-3 stripe color choices or you can opt for the stealth stripe delete look too.

The top dog GT-500 will remain so for the 2014 model year, still unsurpassed by the Chevrolet Camaro for horsepower. With 662 ponies and a six-speed stick the GT-500 has more grunt than is possible to use on the street. When we test drove one earlier this year, we found it to be a raging beast much like the 427 Cobra SC of the 1960’s. It’s a handful but damn it makes you smile.

There is no news yet as to when the Shelby GT-500 will be back in the next-generation Mustang. If it does return again, it is likely to have a much different engine, a completely new look, and likely a new personality to match. So if ya like rip snorting big engined muscle cars, this might be your last chance.